ITV forced into apology during Cheltenham Festival coverage as ‘idiots’ slammed by presenter
Ed Chamberlin apologised live on ITV following some colourful language and gestures from racegoers at Cheltenham Festival’s Gold Cup day
13:15, 13 Mar 2026Updated 13:50, 13 Mar 2026
Ed Chamberlin apologised on ITV during the Cheltenham Festival after some colourful language in the background of their broadcast(Image: ITV)
ITV lead presenter Ed Chamberlin was forced to apologise due to some swearing in the background of Cheltenham Festival coverage on Gold Cup day.
Following some colourful language and a few gestures in the background of Oli Bell interviewing Paul, Tuesday’s ITV7’s winner, Chamberlin was on hand to apologise once pictures returned to the main desk.
He said: “It could be a long afternoon for you as well Oli. Apologies if you picked up any language there, there was one gesture as well.
“You can’t keep away the idiots sometimes on live television.”
Focus swiftly returned to the coming hours of horse racing with the JCB Triumph Hurdle kicking off day four at Cheltenham Festival at 1:20pm.
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The big race of the day arrives just a few hours later with a highly competitive Gold Cup field including The Jukebox Man, Gaelic Warrior, Jango Baie and defending champion inothewayurthinkin all in with a shout.
Spillane’s Tower is a non-runner in that race due to the going with Diva Luna also not participating in the 2:40 Mares’ Chase.
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The Jukebox Man is likely being supported by most people in football for the Gold Cup as it is owned by former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp.
Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is also involved and has seen L’Eau du Sud and Regents Stroll place to hand the racing syndicate he is part of take home sizeable funds.
Sir Alex Ferguson watched Maestro Conti finish second in the JCB Triumph Hurdle(Image: PA)
Il Ridoto and Kim Muir were unable to finish well earlier in the week but Maestro Conti was able to come second and hand more money to Sir Alex and his team.
50/1 Apolon De Charnie, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by his son Patrick Mullins, went on to triumph in the first race just narrowly finishing ahead of favourite Minella Study.
Speaking after the win, the latter said to ITV: “He was fantastic. Look, he’s not very big but he caught my eye. I don’t really watch the juveniles at home but he caught my eye.
“I got a dream run. I am very proud of my father, I have never seen him doubt himself as much as he has this winner.”
